Audition Instructions 2024

To join or get more information, make sure to fill out the interest form now!

Cal Band Auditions are a 2-part process:

  • Music: This page explains the process for your music audition. If you have any questions about this (i.e. need to borrow an instrument, need music tutoring support for your audition, recording issues, or any other extenuating circumstances) let your personal recruiter know! We are here to help! Fill out the interest form to get a recruiter assigned to you!
  • Marching: FTP (Fall Training Program) is anticipated to take place August 15th-19th, 2024. Click here to learn more about FTP this year!
  • Cal Band marches the following instruments: Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Mellophone, Trombone, Baritone, Sousaphone, Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Cymbals, Glockenspiel. If you play multiple instruments, we highly encourage you to audition on all that you are comfortable! And if you don’t play any of these instruments, don’t worry! Fill out the interest form and we will work with you to help you find your place in Cal Band! (For multiple auditions, please submit your additional auditions through email.)
  • You will submit your audition by uploading it via your account on our recruit website, which can be found by clicking “Recruit Portal” in the menu at the top of this website under “Join Us”. These recruit accounts are automatically made after filling out an interest form. If you don’t have access to your recruit account, please let your recruiter know or contact computers@calband.org.
    • All wind instruments must send in an mp3 recording (audio only).
    • All percussion instruments must send in a video audition. Video auditions must be submitted through this form, using a Google drive or Youtube link.
  • Auditions can be recorded in multiple parts/takes and should be edited into one final audio/video file for submission.

Audition Recording Due Dates

  • The priority audition deadline for Cal Band is Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 11:59pm. If you submit an audition by our priority deadline and pass your audition, you will be guaranteed a spot at our FTP (Fall Training Program) this year. This also means that if you submit an audition by the priority deadline and do not pass, then you can have a second chance and can re-submit your audition. We highly encourage those who use their high school’s or community college’s instruments to submit their audition by this date, so that you have access to an instrument that you can audition on. If you are interested in living in Tellefsen Hall (the band house), we also encourage you to submit your audition by this date.
  • The standard audition deadline for Cal Band is Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 11:59pm. If you are unable to submit an audition by the priority deadline, we highly encourage you to submit one by this deadline for full consideration.
  • All auditions submitted after the standard audition deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis and students will be admitted into our band based on instrumentation needs. If you are unable to submit an audition before the standard deadline, we still highly encourage you to submit an audition for Cal Band as soon as you can. Please communicate with your recruiter about your personal audition timeline if this is the case.
  • A note on extenuating circumstances: We understand that there are a variety of reasons why you might not be able to submit an audition on time. Please communicate with your recruiter and we will do our best to accommodate everyone.

Woodwinds, Brass, & Glockenspiel

How to Record:

  • Please do not use an audible metronome in your recording in order to more accurately simulate an in-person audition.
  • For woodwind and brass instruments, please record and submit an mp3 audio file.
  • For glockenspiel, please record and submit a video file. Please ensure that the playing surface of the instrument as well as your upper body are visible and well-lit within the frame.

1. Introduction

  • State your name and your instrument.

2. Scales

  • State the keys of the two major scales you will play. If you play a transposing instrument, please state the concert pitch of the scales (e.g. “F concert” for a G scale on trumpet). You choose which two scales you want to play for us! Difficulty does not matter, we are looking for your comfort in playing scales. Any rhythmic pattern is acceptable.
  • Play the two major scales.
  • Play a chromatic run from the lowest note to the highest note of your ability, ascending and descending. Any rhythmic pattern is acceptable.

(Please note, the scales portion of your audition tape should last no more than 120 seconds.)

3. Exercises

  • Select and play 1 etude from Etudes 1-3, following all tempo markings, key signatures, rhythms, dynamics, and repeat signs.
  • Select and play 1 etude from Etudes 4-5, following the above.
  • Play Big C through one time, from beginning to end, no repeat. If your instrument has more than one part, pick the one you are most comfortable with playing.

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Exercises for Each Instrument

  • Piccolo (can be recorded on flute)

*Glockenspiel: We highly recommend that you audition on bells, marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, or some other keyboard percussion instrument. We will also accept auditions on piano/keyboard. Our marching glockenspiels only require the right hand to play; for this reason, we ask that you please play with only one mallet in your right hand. Do not upload your video to the Recruit Portal.

Submitting Your Audition

Once you’ve finished recording, submit your files through your account on our recruit portal. Please do not leave uploading for the last moment since there can be issues with uploading! Audition results will be released through the same page. If you have any questions or technical difficulties, or if you need any alternative accommodations, feel free to email us at recruiting@calband.org.


Percussion (except Glockenspiel)

How to Record:

Percussion auditions are to be video recorded. Please ensure that the playing surface of the instrument as well as your upper body are visible and well-lit within the frame.

1. Introduction

  • State your name and your instrument.

2. Exercises

  • Play all exercises listed for your instrument(s), following all printed instructions, tempo markings, stickings, and performance directions.

Exercises for Each Instrument

Raising the Tenor Drums